Cherry wins 49th House District seat

GENESEE COUNTY — John Cherry (D-Flint) has claimed the 49th District House of Representatives seat in a landslide victory over opponent Patrick Duvendeck (R-Flushing), receiving 71 percent of the vote to Duvendeck’s 29 percent.

Cherry, 33, will be occupying the seat currently filled by term-limited Rep. Phil Phelps, who was seeking election to the Michigan State Senate to represent State Senate District 32.

Cherry previously served as the Secretary of the College Cultural Neighborhood Association and vice-chair on the City of Flint’s charter commission. He holds a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. He and his wife also own the Flint Coffee Company in Flint.

As the next 49th State House District representative, Cherry said that his priorities include restoring the state’s infrastructure, improving skilled-trade education and providing affordable healthcare. He has also campaigned for better accountability in the state government and more funding for public schools.

Cherry emerged as the August primary winner in a crowded Democratic field that included Dayne Walling, LaShaya Darisaw, Jacky King, Justin Dickerson and Don Wright.

The 49th House District covers Flushing, Mt. Morris, Mt. Morris Township, the City of Flint, Flint Township and Swartz Creek.